Services & Immersion
In the fifteen months since Halcyon was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit company, significant momentum has been gained and the focus markedly refined. Utilizing concepts of “flow states” and horsemanship immersion, participants can discover the experience of again feeling human, belonging, connecting, and the safety “to simply be.” This is a return to authenticity in a natural, homey, welcoming, healing, comfortable realm.
For whom?
Given the area, Halcyon focuses on allowing respite to active duty service members, veterans, spouses, and children, particularly within the SOF community. Privacy is guaranteed, as Andrea exists as a veritable vault of secrecy. She has a professional and personal understanding of military life, community, and trauma; as numerous participants have said, she is a “spec ops Kubler-Ross” who imply “gets it.” So, who participates? SOF community around NC/VA, and government employees around the region. ‘nough said.
Additionally, the farm is now welcoming individuals who are working with Andrea in her role as an End-of-Life Doula. Individuals with terminal illnesses (particularly children, teens, and young adults) and their families are invited to have immersive experience with the animals and healing essence of the farm. The creation and utilization of a “grieving program” within Halcyon is the mainstay of Andrea’s doctoral work.
What?
Riding. With four professionally-trained horses, two ponies, and two naughty tonkeys (tactical operation donkeys), the Halcyon program easily accommodates participants of all backgrounds. As classic horsemanship, growth mindset, and intrinsic motivation are the general flavors, riders are allowed to eventually pursue a competitive direction. However, participants have found that even mornings on the farm with birds and breeze, or evenings with silence and stars, allow true feelings of peace. This is a soothing realm.
Fire Rings. A rustic fire ring is located at the top of Soldiers’ Hill, where Halcyon participants, visitors, and families are welcome to reconnect, decompress, and have a chance to breathe. Fire ring events take place a few times a month, with the majority being open to families and children. Looking ahead, the SOF Memorial Cabin will be constructed in this area. Other Events. Underlined by the “flow states” experience, Halcyon often blends days of horsemanship and other activities. This includes self-defense instructors, meditation instructors from Duke University, successful triathlete coaches, falconry, archery, “survival skills” training for kids, blacksmithing/forging professionals, and a variety of other resource connections.
How?
Flexible, unique, and custom sessions are how we roll around here. Individuals are welcome to visit for one-on-one sessions, as a parent/child pair for reconnection, or as small groups for farm immersion, fire rings, and “split days” (horses + additional activities). We have found that outings for families and parent/child pairs before and after deployments allow much connection and support, particularly when horse immersion is continued during the deployment (i.e., presenting continuity, positive experiences for letters, structure, consistency).
Cost
Time on the farm, handling/grooming the horses, long-lining/ground work, and introductory riding (e.g., basic riding/walking/turning) are covered by private donations to Halcyon, and are therefore free to participants.
Once a participant chooses to “level up” to a training program of consistent riding and engagement, there is a requested $35/session fee to simply cover the cost of horse care, feed, and equipment use. If this is not possible, other arrangements can be made.
Lessons and training sessions outside of the Halcyon program, in a competitive direction, have an increased rate.
Next Step
Please email Andrea at her farm email, andrea@halcyonhc.org, or her personal email, absthilaire@gmail.com. You may also call her at (910) 987-0884. Step one is an introductory meeting, farm tour, and discussion about life. From there, we assess the possibilities and choose the pathway forward. After all, we may not necessarily choose what happens to us in life, but we can choose how we respond.
